The bison is a majestic, if smelly, creature that has called North America home since prehistoric times. Today, the animal thrives in all 50 states.
Earlier this month, the US Senate passed a bill that would elect the country's largest land mammal, the bison, as our national mammal.
We recently published a list naming the reasons this formidable beast deserves the recognition. However, there was one image of the bison we just couldn't shake:
Centuries ago, the US massacred the species.
The bison, which once maintained a population size as high as 60 million, sustained indigenous people. It provided food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. Many Native American tribes still consider the bison a sacred and spiritual symbol of their history.
Sadly, westward expansion nearly wiped bison from the Great Plains during the 19th century. Settlers slaughtered some 50 million for food and sport.
The genocide also served to cut Native Americans off from their supplies. Their near-extinction all but ended the fight for native independence.
Thankfully, the bison returned from the brink of extinction thanks to a concerted effort by ranchers, conservationists, tribes, and politicians.
Here's what these awesome beasts look like today:
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: A paleontologist reveals the secret history of dire wolves — the dogs from 'Game of Thrones'